Foot Pillow

ABSTRACT

A framework spanning the lower end of a mattress and positioned to use overlying bedding materials for creation of an enclosed open space on the upper surface of the mattress for the free movement of feet and lower limbs of humans. The controlled environment within this space provides ample surface area to allow healthful movement of air currents, heat and humidity and thus enable unrestrained natural radiation of body heat through the feet of sleeper(s) encouraging the beneficial outcomes of nocturnal circadian rhythms. With comfort and convenience as high priorities, this bedding accessory is designed for long-term use in therapeutic and household settings.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 63/259,163 filed Jun. 23, 2021 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND

A good night's sleep is important for living a happy productive life,and providing a good environment for your resting body and your restingfeet should be primary considerations. Our feet, unlike other humanlimbs and features which roll easily to assume various restingpositions, are hinged perpendicular to the body axis. Feet are alsohighly complex features, containing 26 bones each, 33 joints and morethan 120 muscles, ligaments and nerves. Their special construction andbiological complexities deserve some additional consideration.

Therapeutic Need

Unfortunately, little has been done to accommodate the feet of someoneresting and sleeping in the mode of today. Freedom of movement and anopen-air environment, characteristics of a comfortable and healthyresting place for our feet, are not available options. Sleeping with ourfeet bearing the weight of, constrained by the friction of, in constantcontact and in close association with overlying bedding materials is thenorm.

Loss of mobility and foot pain due primarily to gout, peripheralneuropathy and peripheral arterial disease are major areas of disabilityin senior citizen populations around the globe. In the USA one in threepeople over age 65 suffers from foot pain, stiffness or aching feet.Therapeutic applications, particularly those directed toward long-termcare settings appear to be ineffective in relieving symptoms andreturning the afflicted to normal ability levels.

Circadian Rhythm and Thermal Environment

Scientific study of the effects that circadian rhythms have on humansleep has revealed the importance of internal temperature modulation andpoints to the need for a healthy thermal environment in which to placeour feet during periods of sleep. Release of excess body heat thatbuilds up during the day is a vital function carried out primarily bythe hands and feet during nocturnal sleep.

In the field of Physiology a growing body of research relates humanhealth to existing thermal conditions during sleep, conditions which maylimit transpiration of heat and humidity and thus be deleterious tovital periods of deep sleep. To quote the Mizuno study listed below,“The thermal environment is one of the most important factors that canaffect human sleep.”

Recent studies include: Effects of Thermal Environment on Sleep andCircadian Rhythm; authored by Kazue Okamoto-Mizuno and Koh Mizuno,published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 2012. Mechanismsand Coupling between Sleep and Temperature Rhythms; authored by Eus J.W. Van Sumeren, published in Progress in Brain Research, 2006. Researchon these topics has been ongoing for decades and results consistentlyshow a linkage between the nocturnal release of body heat from distalareas of the body (hands and feet) and human health.

PRIOR ART

Prior patent art reveals many efforts in the areas of therapeuticamelioration and to enable medical procedures involving the feet. Noadvances in modern sleep arrangements were identified that providelong-term therapeutic relief for the feet of sleepers or any similarimprovement to benefit household resting/sleeping conditions.

A Spanish patent ES1142641U was issued in 2015 to Arturo Gomez Cores,“Coupling structure foot type for elevation of bed clothing in the lowerlimb”. This is a temporary rigid structure, not adjustable and separatefrom routine bedding functions.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,437,016 issued in 1948 to H. E. Christensen,“Therapeutic Device”. This is a cage-type structure placed on themattress over the feet (uncovered by bedding), and appears to bebasically a base of attachment for lighting/heating fixtures.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,564,596A issued in 1925 to H. Lo Grasso, “OrthopedicBed”. This is a multi-segmented metal frame underlying a mattress whichwill allow for raising and lowering at various points, and is aspecialized device for medical treatment.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,571,828A issued in 1971 to Delton E Bergsgaard, “FootRest Device”. This is a medical appliance that would support a patient'sfoot above the mattress and provides a temporary respite and not along-term environment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,727A issued in 1987 to Lawrence H. Wilkinson,“Convenience bar assembly for hospital bed”. This rigidly attachedsupport structure holds up a horizontal bar that spans the bedside-to-side, allowing a patient to grasp a dangling handhold and pullto a seated position.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,713,182 issued in 1973 to Hugh E. McNeal, “BedclothesElevator and Bed Warmer”. This is similar to U.S. Pat. No.2,437,016/Christensen listed above, but with an air blower instead ofheat lamps; a temporary frame for supporting bedclothes with wiring andducting.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,932 issued in 1966 to M. J. Gibbons, “BedclothesSupport”. This device is another temporary framework extending partiallyacross the mattress foot held by various braces and rollers presumablyfor an immobilized patient.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,658 issued in 1994 to Marie Fontenot, “BlanketElevator Apparatus”. A similar device as those above, also temporary andtherapeutic in nature, which includes a sheet pinching outer frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,616 B1 issued in 2005 to Scott C. Warrington,“Blanket Support Assembly”. A tubular frame with telescoping sides thatcan be folded over the foot of a mattress. This appears an easier andmore practical method than many others, but is still a temporarymechanism and focused on therapeutic application.

Many other prior art examples could be listed here and perhaps many areuseful devices, but this presenter is struck by the impression that themain body of this work is gadgetry, with specific and therefore alimited field of application.

Conclusions

The current device has the potential for introducing a sea change to ourconcept of therapeutic and domestic bedding: A convenient enclosure thatprovides our feet with every comfort and fits within the form andfunctions of current bedding designs. An open zone of controlled thermalconditions which is in conformance with environmental and biologicalfactors associated with human health and happiness.

Based on this presenter's review, prior patent art in this area appearsto vary widely from the current effort. The present device emphasizesflexibility and ease of adjustment, so that a Foot Pillow may integratewith any mattress and adjust to any scenario involving the feet andlower limbs of one or more sleepers. This flexibility and the manyadvantages of suspended bedding over an open area for the free movementof feet and lower limbs distinguish this concept from previous work.This device adds not only to the pleasure of sleep, either at home or ina therapeutic setting, but will also maximize deep sleep health benefitsidentified by circadian rhythm science.

Therapeutic use of the Foot Pillow in long-term care institutions andin-home health care sites would improve the care standards currentlyavailable at those facilities. Additionally, this device is seen as abedding accessory for the improvement of sleeping conditions in thehome. As such (and unlike the cited prior patent art) the Foot Pillow isdesigned for long-term use, will easily integrate into the form andfunction of daily life, and will be suitable for a wide range of modernbedding options.

SUMMARY

The Foot Pillow (A) is introduced here as a bedding accessory, but thisalteration to the standard bedding environment is so transformative thatit really amounts to a change in lifestyle. A Foot Pillow puts our feetfirst, and that is what science and the woeful state of foot ailments inthis country and around the world are telling us to do.

The open environment created by the Foot Pillow frame provides ampleroom for the comfort and movement of our feet while at the same timeaccommodating transpiration of heat and humidity. Simple bedding optionsregulate the flow of air and warmth within this controlled open space,providing a buffer against rising and falling temperatures. A gentleamount of supplemental thermostat-controlled heat is available at thetouch of a button.

Management of daily bedding duties and laundering is unhindered by thisnew accessory due to a design that is streamlined and easy to workaround. The Foot Pillow framework is both flexible and stable in place,adjustable to any mattress width, any foot size or height of user, andcan be used by one or two occupants.

The Foot Pillow is also a harbinger of good health. It is the onlydevice to provide an ideal setting for the release of excess body heatduring periods of nocturnal sleep. This biological requirement, which iscarried out mainly by our feet, is central to the fulfillment of nightlycircadian rhythms linked to cycles of deep sleep which are vital tohuman health.

In summer or winter, spring or fall the Foot Pillow is a new frontierfor the comfort, freedom of movement, and good health of our feet andlower legs. With only a few simple seasonal adjustments this new beddingaccessory is a gateway to year-around sound sleeping.

SPECIFICATION

The title of this new device uses the active form of the word pillow,meaning literally to put an object at rest. The controlled space withinthe framework of the Foot Pillow (A), the Foot Pillow Zone (H), providesan open area for the free movement of a sleeper's feet and lower legs.This freedom of movement is experienced either side-to-side (as apendulum), or as a sleeper is rolling or turning.

A healthful flow of air is generated inside the Zone by a sleeper's bodyheat and the extensive surface area within assures the smooth passage ofheat and humidity through overlying bedding. The buffering effects ofinsulation, adjustments of overlying bedding and supplemental heating(when appropriate) protect the sleeper's feet against significant risingor falling temperatures within the Zone.

The combination of these effects—an open airy environment and amoderated temperature regimen—when used in tandem with a comfortablemattress is deserving of the moniker Foot Pillow.

Prelude

The writer admits to a degree of redundancy in making a full disclosureof the novelty and usefulness of this new device. The hoped-for audiencewill likely have a wide range of perspectives, and in attempting toprovide a common canvas some major points and themes have beenre-visited. For this writer, the broad spectrum of scientificapplications and the very real biological implications that are boundtightly to this project have held sway.

DESCRIPTION

The following details pertain to the Prototype 2 model of the FootPillow (A) that has been in daily use for over one year. The previousPrototype 1 was used for about one month. The materials used wereprimarily those on hand, and since this period of development has beenhighly experimental, there was an effort to avoid costly alterations.This embodiment is installed on a standard-sized queen mattress (8) andbox spring, all of which fit into a wooden frame with headboard andfootboard; the set is typical of a commercial queen-sized bed.

Foot Pillow Framework

In this instance the base of connection and primary stability is madeusing tube inserts (6) comprised of Schedule 40 PVC (all PVC parts areone-half inch Inside Diameter (ID) Schedule 40) which, along with thetube insert braces (7), made from pine wood and wrapped with duct tape,are placed between the mattress (8) and box spring near the foot of themattress. Note that even with these insert assemblies in place, amattress cover pad and top sheet can be readily applied or removed.

This embodiment has two strut base tubes (5) of PVC on each side whichconnect orthogonally to the tube inserts using one-half inch PVC elbows.The tops of the strut base tubes are fitted slidably with strut lengthadjusters (4) comprised of one-half inch diameter wooden dowels. Thetops of these strut length adjusters then fit slidably into theheat-molded PVC hip sections (2) of the horizontal assembly that spansthe mattress. The operating height of the Foot Pillow framework can thenbe adjusted and locked in place by the use of set screws (3), a pair ofwhich is located on each strut assembly at either ends of the strutlength adjusters.

The single control bar (1) that characterizes this embodiment extendsacross the mattress, connecting the two pairs of hip sections. Thiscontrol bar is a one-piece section constructed of two one-half inch IDfiberglass wound epoxy tubes, the edges of which fit the concave sidesof a pine wood core that is sandwiched between them. Duct tape wrappingsecures the control bar components. Wooden dowel pieces inserted intoeach end of the epoxy tubes and then into the upper ends of the hipsections serve as connectors and are held in place by friction.

Supplemental Heat System

The primary source of Foot Pillow (A) warmth is a sleeper's own bodyheat, but there are times—initial entry into the bed and cool earlymorning hours—when supplemental heating may be useful. Since the FootPillow Zone (H) is an enclosed air space, a convenient thermostaticheating system can be installed and efficiently operated.

In the current embodiment this system consists of a digital thermostat(11) that is attached on the lower ends of a pair of hip sections (2)and resides underneath the overlying bedding. The 120-volt thermostat(typically used in a terrarium or reptile enclosure) is adjustable byeach degree Fahrenheit and is regulated within a two-degree range by aheat sensor (10). These components operate a twenty-watt heat mat (12),which is typically used for seed germination and measures 10×20 inches.

Many experimental heat application set-ups were tried prior to arrivingat the current arrangement, which has the heat mat balanced over thecontrol bar (1) lengthwise and lying atop the tension skirting (9) at apoint near the opposite end from the heat sensor. Cotton toweling, gluedto one side of the heat mat for texture purposes has been used as ameans to attach the mat by staples to the pine wood core of the controlbar.

This system works well and it is anticipated that a future manufacturedembodiment would be consistent in positioning the heat source to avoiddirect contact with the feet and lower leg and emphasizing low poweroutput (wattage) of the source. A future control bar embodiment would beself-contained for electrical connections between thermostat,temperature sensor and heat source. The chosen heat source would bemoveable (by segmentation or other means) along the control bar to matchvarious scenarios—optional sizes of mattress, number of sleepers,arrangement of overlying bedding, etc.

Tension Skirting

As a method of bracing the Foot Pillow (A) framework against strainscreated by the foot movement of sleepers, daily activities of making thebed, adjustment of bedding materials or changing/laundering, a piece ofsheeting material has been used to create a “shock absorber”. Thistension skirting (9), referred to in the above section, is comprised ofa folded cotton sheet one edge of which has been attached by staplesalong the length of the pine wood core of the control bar (1). Theremaining material is wrapped around the control bar (covering thestaples), and then extends over the foot end of the mattress (8) and istucked in between the mattress and box spring.

This innovation has worked very well in stabilizing and reallysolidifying the Foot Pillow framework. The moderate tension of the sheetis enough to offset the strain of bedding pulled toward the head of thebed when using the bed and in making up the bed. This offset is total,so that the making of the bed is actually less of a chore than with astandard bedding arrangement. Despite the greatly increased feet andlower leg movement that is inherent when using this new beddingaccessory, the Foot Pillow framework is not affected, and the angle ofthe bedding hanging over the framework is sharp enough that the beddingdoes not shift noticeably.

In addition to the stability and convenience that the tension skirtinghas added, it has also improved the overall appearance of the FootPillow profile by rounding out the rear edging and clearly defining aflat slope from the control bar to the foot of the mattress. One otheraspect that should be noted is that the tension skirting is now theinner surface of the back wall of the Foot Pillow Zone (H), so asleeper's feet may contact the skirting.

Operation

A major focus in the development of the Foot Pillow (A) has been tominimize disruption and inconvenience when it comes to everyday use andmaintenance. Ingress and egress are unaffected so long as a sleeper isable to bend his/her knees. The transition into the Foot Pillow equippedbed is a bit of a two-step process due to the noticeable divisionbetween the torso area (G) (shoulders to knees) and everything below theknees.

Heat Circulation

Once established in bed and once the sheets and bedding materials in thetorso area begin to warm up (a process of a few seconds) body heat,primarily from the torso area, begins to move into the Foot Pillow Zone(H). This natural movement of heat along and between the legs, termedthe Thermal Shift (see Diagram 1), is encouraged by the immediateproximity and elevation of the Zone and is the single largest source ofoverall heat for the Zone.

The Thermal Shift can be regulated by bedding changes made in the torsoarea. An added blanket (or a removed one) will alter the rate of heatretention in the torso area and likewise affect the level of heatmovement associated with the Thermal Shift.

Note that in this system body heat is the only source of heat, and thatthis heat will always dissipate through the bedding; we can onlyminimize or increase the rate of heat loss. Note also the importance ofthat dissipation: the greatly expanded surface area of the Foot PillowZone (as compared to traditional bedding) provides an essentiallyunlimited setting for heat, humidity and air to circulate and dissipate;processes that are crucial to the health and vitality of human sleep.The sum of these environmental factors directly affects importantbiological functions that have been identified through circadian rhythmresearch.

Heat Loss Equilibrium

Experimentation has shown that a close equilibrium of heat loss ratesbetween the torso area (G) and the Foot Pillow Zone (H) can be reachedby a doubling of the bedding over the Zone as compared to the torsoarea. An example of this insulating layer, termed equilibrium bedding(D), is illustrated in Diagram 1. This method of equalizing heat loss ishelpful in maximizing (and regulating) the level of warmth produced fromthe Thermal Shift during cool weather times and likewise relievingexcess heat during warm times.

The advantages of this approach are significant. During the cool/coldseasons, when the warming capacity (and buffering effects—see below) ofthe Thermal Shift are overwhelmed, a sleeper(s) need only turn on thethermostat-controlled supplemental heat system—which will only becomeactive if the Foot Pillow Zone temperature falls below a desired level.

In warm/hot conditions the system works even better. With reduced torsobedding, minimal Thermal Shift and low bedding over the Zone, sleeper(s)get the full benefit of the open and airy conditions of the Foot Pillow.In warm sleeping conditions the biggest sources of discomfort are directand close contact of bedding on your feet and lower legs. When sleepingwith a Foot Pillow those sources are gone!

Note that this discussion addresses only the comfort and convenienceadvantages of the Foot Pillow. In these same warm/hot sleepingconditions the biggest threat to healthy sleep cycles is humid heat (seediscussion below), particularly when the soles of a sleeper's feet areexposed to humid heat.

Buffering Effects

The combination of the above-described conditions—a regulated ThermalShift and an insulated Foot Pillow (A) (to achieve heat loss equilibriumbetween the torso area (G) and the Foot Pillow Zone (H))—creates abuffering effect within the Zone. This buffering effect is noticeable inreducing changes in temperature either higher or lower. As indicatedabove, buffering is magnified under warm/hot conditions due to theseparation of bedding materials from a sleeper's feet and constant aircirculation within the Zone.

Throughout this experimental and testing period a daily notebook hasbeen kept. Dozens of entries refer to nights when this buffering effectwas noticeable. In many of those instances bedding modifications weremade to adjust for comfort in the torso area (either chilled or toowarm), but in no cases did the Foot Pillow Zone require modification(other than the choice to switch on the supplemental heat system).

Making basic adjustments to the Foot Pillow for seasonal cooling andwarming as described above is the only requirement to improveyear-around sleeping comfort for sleeper(s) feet and lower legs.

A Last Note on Heating

In addition to the usual approach of turning on a heat source only whenneeded, having a thermostat (11) control system gives users much moreflexibility. A sleeper need only anticipate a possible chill (say, at 4am) to turn on the system which will remain essentially on stand-byuntil the sleeper's desired minimum temperature is reached. This allowsfor uninterrupted sleep within the comfort range determined by theThermal Shift/bedding material choices/Foot Pillow insulationlevel/buffering range, and then, only if needed, the sleeper's ownpre-set temperature range as selected on the thermostat.

This presenter has experienced numerous nights with the scenario aboveand on many of those occasions the supplemental heat system was rarely(if ever) activated. On cold nights, however, in an un-heated room thesupplemental system was often relied upon. On all of these occasions theFoot Pillow performed very well—even at times when additional beddingwas needed in the torso area—and the most pleasant nights of sleep werethe coldest!

Physiological Considerations

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour sleep/wake cycles and several of theseautonomous cycles affect humans as they approach a period of nocturnalsleep and as they proceed through nocturnal sleep phases. Human healthis directly related to the frequency and duration of deep sleep phasesachieved during nocturnal sleep.

Environmental conditions within the Foot Pillow Zone (H) provide optimumconditions to realize circadian rhythm-related health benefits. Thefollowing is a synopsis on this subject and several references (out ofmany) have been listed in the Background section of this document. Anadditional reference by a top researcher which touches on these pointsis: The Interrelationship Between Sleep Regulation and Thermoregulation,American Physiological Society, 2021, by Kurt Krauchi and Tom Deboer.

High core body temperature in humans is achieved during waking hours asa result of heat production related to metabolic processes. A nightlycircadian rhythm acts to decrease this core body temperature and is avital function mainly accomplished by heat radiation/convection inperipheral skin areas.

This circadian rhythm is controlled by the hypothalamus region of thebrain. The process runs for about seven hours every night and begins aswe approach our normal time of nocturnal sleep. Internal heat begins todissipate as blood flow is increased and brought close to the surface ofthe skin.

Specialized areas of tissue, glabrous skin (non-hair bearing skin of thelips, hands and feet) are the primary regions of heat loss. High ratesof heat loss in these areas are due to the abundance of specializedblood vessels (found mainly in palms of hands and soles of feet) calledarteriovenous anastomoses which bypass capillary circulation and flowdirectly from arterial to venous networks. Krauchi (see above) estimatesthis flow differential at 10,000 to 1, accounting for the increase innightly blood circulation (2-3 times the usual resting rate) and therapid initial core body temperature drop.

Once sleep is achieved the circadian rhythm continues and the heatreleasing processes intensify due to the addition of melatonin secretedby the pineal gland. Core blood temperature drops about two degreesFahrenheit during this cycle of events.

Throughout these processes the most capable radiators of excess corebody heat are the soles of our feet. If the release of core body heat(and related humidity) during these nightly circadian rhythm cycles islimited due to environmental factors, research has shown that crucialperiods of deep sleep—Rapid Eye Movement and Slow Wave Sleep—can beshortened or lost.

The Foot Pillow Zone—an expansive, open area designed for the freemovement of air, heat and humidity—will provide sleepers an idealsetting for maximizing health benefits linked to our own biology and thepower of circadian rhythms. In this important respect, the Foot Pillowstands in stark contrast to the standard bedding available today.

The Gentle Good Night

By integrating the novel improvements of the Foot Pillow (A) into anightly routine, sleepers will benefit both in overall quality of sleepand in the frequency and duration of the most beneficial (deep) periodsof sleep. A good night's sleep may be elusive for a variety of reasonsand this discussion will address only those aspects affected by thepresent device. A primary basis for this rationale is taken fromnumerous studies using encephalograph records of brainwaves in variousstages of wakefulness and sleep.

Differentiation of brainwaves and patterns of wave-like activity havelong been established as an accurate methodology for identifying anddividing periods of wakefulness and sleep. Waking brainwave patternsfall into two classes—wide awake and tired awake. Sleep waves aredivided into four classes—N1, N2, N3 (slow-wave sleep), and REM (RapidEye Movement sleep). Interestingly, wide wakefulness and deepest sleep(REM) brainwaves are identical.

Sleep is a semi-autonomous condition, a state encouraged by placingoneself in a restful setting and generally in a prone position. Cyclesof circadian rhythms, however, are completely autonomous. So in thiscase a sequence of autonomous nightly events directs blood flow from thecore of the body to peripheral areas of glabrous skin where the blood isexposed to a cooler environment. It is in the marriage of these twoprocesses—sleep and circadian rhythm—that the Foot Pillow deliverssignificant health and restfulness benefits to sleepers.

Brainwave studies correlated with the nightly drop in core bodytemperature show a consistent relationship between lowered coretemperatures and increasing total time spent in deep sleepcycles(slow-wave and REM), both in terms of frequency and duration. Deepsleep cycles are a basic biological requirement for humans and areclosely tied to overall health.

The controlled environment within the Foot Pillow framework, the FootPillow Zone (H), provides an ideal setting for radiation and convectionof body heat. Note that in any reclining posture—on your back, on yourside, or on your chest—the heat radiating surface of the soles of yourfeet are completely exposed. So the soles of our feet, the largest areasof glabrous skin that we have, are freely exposed within the Foot PillowZone thus maximizing our ability to vent heat. At the same time the FootPillow also maximizes the immediate dilution of that heat (and relatedhumidity), while providing easy passage of heat and gases alike throughan expansive surface area and an elevated profile.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES AND DIAGRAM

In the drawings below, numerical identities for parts are consistent onFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 . Diagram 1 is more conceptual in nature and whereoverlap of alphabetical labels and numerical parts has occurred thoseoverlaps are identified in the Key provided.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the Prototype 2 Foot Pillow frameworkwith no attachments, positioned for use in a mattress/box springsetting.

FIG. 2 shows a side-view of the Foot Pillow framework from the foot areaof a mattress with tension skirting in place.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below mattress level of the FootPillow framework with heating system components and tension skirting.

Diagram 1 presents a diorama bringing together several novel aspects ofthe Foot Pillow Zone environment and a visualization of the Prototype 2embodiment.

FIGURES—REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1 control bar    -   2 hip section    -   3 set screw    -   4 strut length adjuster    -   5 strut base tube    -   6 tube insert    -   7 tube insert brace    -   8 mattress    -   9 tension skirting    -   10 heat sensor    -   11 thermostat    -   12 heat mat

CONCLUSIONS

Introduced as an accessory for therapeutic applications and modern bedsets, the Foot Pillow (A) aligns to the structural and physiologicalneeds of our feet and revitalizes the sleep experience. The reader willsee that the described prototype greatly improves the restingenvironment for a user's feet by several metrics. Free from theconstraints of bedding materials and free to move about in aclimate-controlled setting, a user's feet and lower legs are exposedonly to a gentle flow of air currents and are protected against thediscomfort of high or low temperatures.

Providing convenience as well as comfort, the Foot Pillow may becombined with any mattress configuration and will adjust to persons ofany foot size or length of limb.

Normal daily use, daily upkeep and periodic laundering activities areaccommodated and unhindered.

Many physiological processes take place while we sleep. None of these ismore important than the release of excess heat that builds up in thebody each day. The soles of our feet are the biggest radiators of thisheat, and the Foot Pillow provides an ideal setting for this process. Asthe only device conforming to circadian rhythm biology, the Foot Pillowstands alone as an encouraging environment for rest and health.

RAMIFICATIONS

The focus of this presentation is the second prototype of the FootPillow which has undergone dozens of modifications and upgrades sinceits inception. Several thousand hours of actual usage and testing havebeen applied to date. The current result is a device that will greatlybenefit the sleeping environment that we know today.

Transforming this device into a finished product and adapting it to themyriad of settings in which to benefit will be challenging. Thefollowing discussion will attempt to generally describe this anticipatedtransition to the marketplace. None of this should be construed aslimitations on the scope, but rather as a broad exemplification of themany embodiment(s) that this device will become. Accordingly, the scopeof this disclosure should not be determined by the fundamental form ofthe described prototype, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents.

A manufactured version of the Foot Pillow for therapeutic or general usewould require many upgrades in materials and construction over thedescribed prototype embodiment:

Materials

Framework components in a finished product would need to meet highstandards for structural durability and, as an assembled unit, exhibit adegree of flexible rigidity. These parts would be produced from rawmaterials accepting of a very smooth finish and be appealing to theconsumer. Some examples would be tubular metal, high impact plastic, andvarious combinations of extruded materials, molded resin, fiberglass orsome similar structurally sound material.

Horizontal members would likely be of high quality extruded plastic,possibly containing carbon fiber components for rigidity, perhaps withmetallic parts, or some other hybrid of components. Any chosen materialwould need to be receptive to modification as multi-segmented units, beadaptive for internal electrical connections and related heating andsensor apparatus.

Connecting and Adapting

A wide range of sizes and connectors for various assemblies isenvisioned. Bases for attachment and mounts for strut components wouldneed to adapt to many bedframe and mattress models. Single componentmattresses may use a system of underlying straps with ratchetadjustments for securing a mounting base for the Foot Pillow framework.Anchored or clamped bases for this purpose may be applied on framedmattress models. Inserted frameworks like the prototype detailed abovemay be used on mattress/box spring sets.

Different mattress widths will require a variety of horizontal membercomponents. As a future generic example, multiple horizontal segmentswould be required which interconnect and whose total length spans theapplicable mattress width. Each end of the assembled horizontalmember(s) would then attach to strut supports on either side of themattress. The use of multiple horizontal segments would also aid inhandling, packaging and shipping considerations.

Connectors and means for adjustment of component length and relativeposition would be important in a manufactured product. Breakawayconnectors with safety latches between horizontal segments would be oneof many possible solutions. Sliding and telescopic adjustments of strutmembers could be accomplished by many hardware applications, such assetscrew mechanisms, various friction and pressure engagement units orthreaded adjustment devices.

Electrical Wiring

A typical bedroom set-up has the foot of the bed towards the middle ofthe room and the headboard near the wall. Plug-in outlets are usuallylocated in these walls, making an easy connection for any applianceassociated with the Foot Pillow. The present prototype model has anin-line rocker switch attached to a small cardboard control panel whichis mounted on the headboard for on/off control of the supplementalheating system. This has worked well and is very convenient. A futureembodiment would likely expand this control panel to include some basicthermostat functions such as a system status indicator (off, on-standby,on-active) and the ability to toggle the desired temperature up or down.Optional appliances may include servo units for adjusting the FootPillow frame orientation and elevation.

A basic wiring harness would include an outlet connection, in-linecontrols, adequate perimeter wiring (likely clad in safety insulatedcoverings) for connections to a thermostat, appropriate sensors, heatingunits, optional outlets, etc.

Insulating Bedding

Seasonal adjustment of the equilibrium bedding (D) layers over the FootPillow Zone(H) are one of the few maintenance steps necessary to assurecomfort year-around.

Quilted covers manufactured from breathable fabric and batting materialsand based on standard patterns will be required. Patterns would be sizedto fit various Foot Pillow frames that are appropriate for specificmattress dimensions.

User's preferences and in-room temperature ranges will vary so aselection of equilibrium bedding is anticipated. Typically, a set oflight and medium weight bedding layers would suffice since these can beused singly or in combination. As such, a light layer would likely dofor summer, the medium for spring and fall, and the total of the two forwinter time. Note that the purpose of these insulating layers is toapproach equilibrium of heat loss rates between the sleeper's torso area(G) and the Foot Pillow Zone (see Specification and Diagram 1). Minoradjustments—adding or taking away a light covering, use of supplementalheat—may give additional comfort.

P.S.

Ramifications in this instance can only be based on a degree ofspeculation. In a business sense (and the writer is not a businessman)the market will determine where this product will go. Retrofitting andretooling for every possibility—and similarly trying to anticipate everypossibility in this writing—is just not practical. So please allow forthe repetition and consider the request that the scope of thisdisclosure should not be determined by the fundamental form of thedescribed prototype, but by the appended claims and their legalequivalents. Thank you.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bedding accessory comprising: a. a frameworkspanning a mattress side-to-side which suspends overlying beddingmaterials above one or more sets of human lower limbs, b. said frameworkand suspended bedding materials forming an open space above saidmattress with means for freedom of human feet movement and for controlof environmental conditions within said open space.
 2. A beddingaccessory comprising: a. a healthful setting within said framework andopen space for the feet of humans as they approach a period of sleep andfor the duration of said period of sleep, b. resting conditions for saidhuman feet identified by scientific research to be ideal for promotingperiods of deep nocturnal sleep. 1a. The bedding accessory of claim 1wherein said framework is adjustable to the size and position of one ormore sets of human lower limbs. 1 b. The bedding accessory of claim 1wherein said framework and suspended bedding materials effectivelycontrol movement of air and heat within said open space so as to providea buffer against rising and dropping temperatures within said open spaceand whereby improved conditions of temperature and humidity result. 1c.The bedding accessory of claim 1 wherein a breathable sheet of skirtingmay be attached along one edge to a horizontal spanning member of saidframework with said skirting then directed over the top of the hindmostsaid horizontal spanning member and attached by various means under thefoot of said mattress thus providing additional stability to saidframework and offsetting pulling forces of said bedding materials towardthe head of said mattress. 1d. The bedding accessory of claim 1 whereinsaid framework consists of one or more horizontal members of one or moresegments of appropriate length(s) which are attached at each end toorthogonal members with connected vertical assemblies, each set of whichare adjustable in length, allowing adaptability of said framework tovarious sizes of mattress, human feet and length of limb. 1e. Thebedding accessory of claim 1 wherein said open space comprisesdimensional proportions of sufficient means to employ one or severalthermostat-controlled systems for the purpose of providing a source ofradiant electrical heating within said open space. 1f. The beddingaccessory of claim 1 wherein said framework includes one or more saidhorizontal members consisting of a plurality of said segments and havingone or more said segments with the means to emit electrically-controlledheat radiation. 2a. The bedding accessory of claim 2 wherein saidhealthful setting relates to the control of air and thermal movement andassociated passage of heat and humidity through said open space due tothe expansive permeable surface area within said open space, the liningof which consists of said suspended bedding materials. 2b. The beddingaccessory of claim 2 wherein said resting conditions are consistent withknown circadian rhythm-related biological requirements associated withhuman deep sleep cycles experienced during said periods of nocturnalsleep.